Solar installer seeks move
Washington-based AR Power is in the market for a new base of 20,000 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft as it looks to provide a foundation for continued growth.
The firm, which installs commercial solar power systems and battery storage, took annual sales to £5.5m for the year to April 2024, and has added staff including marketing manager Will Illingworth.
With the workforce reaching 33 and set to grow, the company – established in 2011 by husband-and-wife team Mark and Maria Dunville – is aiming to hit revenues of £10m in the next 12 months.
In three years, AR hopes for turnover to exceed £30m.
Maria Dunville, finance director and co-owner, explained: “This last year has been a busy period as we focussed on planning for future growth, investing in more staff, training, and securing further accreditations.
“We have done a lot of the hard work by investing in skills and equipment, all while managing the business, ensuring we continued to deliver high impact energy solutions to businesses and organisations across the north and even further afield.”
The company expanded its fleet of vehicles and is now “actively seeking larger premises” – ideally a unit of 20-30,000 sq. ft.
The recent appointments of Luke Lobo, as technical manager, and Stephen Armstrong, as head of commercial, will help strengthen the senior leadership team.
Other new faces include Illingworth and Lynn Storey as a dedicated in-house health, safety and environment manager.
Last year AR Power appointed Phil Armstrong as operations and maintenance engineer.
Technical director Mark Dunville said: “Going forwards we intend to focus on competing for larger projects. We now have the senior team and greater in-house expertise including a stronger design team, which will enable us to undertake more mid to high-range solar installations.
“Our pipeline of new work looks strong as more companies and organisations see the huge benefits of generating their own energy.”
The firm’s client base includes Newcastle, Durham and South Tyneside Councils, Dunelm Group, University of Sunderland, Northumbria University, Bishop Auckland College, Atlas Copco, CPI, Port of Blyth and Slaters Electricals.
AR’s largest contract to date saw it deliver a 2,344-panel installation for manufacturer BHK UK in Peterlee.
